Book Description

Four worlds that cannot be visited. Four worlds that must be visited.

Aliens are spying on Earth from one of the four worlds that make up the Warden Diamond. But it is impossible to send agents to any of the four worlds because of unique microscopic symbionts that make it impossible for visitors to leave the Diamond.

Seeking a unique solution, each of the four worlds making up the Diamond is sent a person whose mind has been stripped of everything and who is now controlled by an agent of the Confederacy.

This frozen world is the last of the four worlds to be explored. But are Tarin Bul and his controller up to the job? The secret powers of the hated dictator, Lord Ypsir, are far more extensive than had been anticipated and may prove too much for them. Can the Agent With No Name save the mission?

Aliens are spying on Earth from one of the four worlds that make up the Warden Diamond. But it is impossible to send agents to any of the four worlds because of unique microscopic symbionts that make it impossible for visitors to leave the Diamond.

Seeking a unique solution, each of the four worlds making up the Diamond is sent a person whose mind has been stripped of everything and who is now controlled by an agent of the Confederacy.

This frozen world is the last of the four worlds to be explored. But are Tarin Bul and his controller up to the job? The secret powers of the hated dictator, Lord Ypsir, are far more extensive than had been anticipated and may prove too much for them. Can the Agent With No Name save the mission?

There are four (4) books in the "Lords of the Diamond" series, all of which are not only entertaining, but also have a buried commentary on possible future civilization, penal systems, and the human condition in general. This is the fourth, and final book, of the series. As such, while it can be read as a stand-alone, it is much more enjoyable when all four books are read as a series and in order.

Though the series is now 20 years old, and not written in the style of modern science fiction, it is still enjoyable for all age brackets. For those of us who are 'older' fans, the style and content reflect the science fiction we grew up reading. As such, fans of 'cyber punk' and modern themes may not enjoy it, but it is still worthy of reading and as a reflection of how the genre has changed since the original days of "Astounding" and such magazines.

I thought this would be a straightforward action sci-fi story and it delivered there. Subtly woven throughout the action were building blocks for the larger story. At the end of the 4th book that larger story took center stage and it was though-provoking and interesting. I wish more science-fiction could be like this.

Jack L. Chalker's "Medusa: A Tiger by the Tail" is the fourth (and final) book in his "Four Lords of the Diamond" series. With the exception of a slight twist in the story, the main body of the book follows the same pattern as the previous three books. So, if you liked those books (which I assume you would since you're reading this), you should like this book. I'd like to point out, though, that the meat of the series is done in the Epilogue. This is where the whole thing gets tied up. So, definitely read it. I rate both this book and the series as a whole at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5.

The books in Jack L. Chalker's "Four Lords of the Diamond" series are: